Real Madrid and Manchester City played a hugely entertaining game in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal clash on Tuesday night. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne getting on the scoresheet.
Man City was the more aggressive team in the first half and had several great chances but couldn’t get the ball past Thibaut Courtois. The La Liga powerhouse, on the other hand, was content to absorb the pressure and wait for its chances.
Despite City’s efforts, it was Real that managed to strike first in the 36th minute. Eduardo Camavinga made a great run from his half and passed the ball to Vinícius Júnior, who scored a beautiful goal from outside the box.
Real Madrid continued to threaten Ederson in the second half and was close to extending its lead when City struck back in the 67th minute. Ilkay Gundogan left the ball for De Bruyne near the penalty area, with the Belgian midfielder scoring a similarly stunning goal to the one from Vinícius Júnior.
Both teams had their chances to steal a win by the end of the match, but the result remained unchanged.
“I think both teams have the feeling that it was a good result,” said Real’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the game. “Maybe we played a bit better to deserve a victory, but it’s a series that will be even until the last minute.”
City’s manager Pep Guardiola had a similar opinion.
“It was an even match,” Guardiola said. “They scored when we were better, and we equalized when they were better. It will all be decided in Manchester.”
The second leg of the UCL semis between Real Madrid and Manchester City will be played on May 17 at City’s Etihad Stadium.
